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County institutes a burning ban

Some summer activities may be taking a hit this year as there now is an open burning ban in Adams County until further notice.
The Adams County Commissioners passed a resolution Monday prohibiting open burning due to severe drought conditions.
Until further notice, the following types of burning are banned throughout the county:
• Campfires and other recreational fires, unless enclosed in a fire ring at least 23 inches across and 10 inches is deep
• Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or any other combustible material, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane. Briquettes from permitted grills may not be removed until they have been thoroughly extinguished.
• The burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, including such debris that results from building construction.
Burning in barrels with a 1/4 inch mesh top will be allowed only from dawn to dusk.
Decatur Assistant Fire Chief Jim Hitchcock warned residents to use extreme caution when burning anything at all, noting that with the extremely dry conditions and high winds things can easily get out of control.
Hitchcock, along with Berne Fire Captain Jim Fox and Emergency Management Agency employee Erin Hackman, strongly urged all area resident to attend public displays of fireworks only, and limit personal use to those that do not leave the ground, or use any aerial firework device.
"At this point we may not even allow the Decatur show this year," said Hitchcock. "Unless we get some real rain in the next few weeks, it would just be too dangerous."
The trio said they would be back next week to meet with commissioners and re-evaluate the situation.